When I started lifting at home last year, I bought one of the weight sets at Dicks Sporting Goods. About $110 for a 300lb set and a 7' olympic bar. It's worked just fine up until now.
Now that my deadlift is approaching 5x300, I can tell the bar is starting to bend a little when loaded. I'm not sure I feel comfortable putting much more weight on this bar, as I don't want it permanently bent. I'm still doing a number of other exercises that are nowhere near the 300lb mark, so the bar is still useful.
When it comes to buying a bar, what should I look for? I've found a few stores in the area with bars rated for 500+ pounds, but they are all like $150 or more for the bar. Is this reasonable? Would I be better to order one online even with the cost of shipping?
If it makes a difference, I'm in the market for rubber flooring now, so I could maybe get a shipping break if I place an order for matting and a bar. I'm also thinking about getting a couple of bumper plates.
Big Fitness has 7' Cap Barbell 500lb test bars for $129 including shipping. Don't know if there are any cheaper options but this will give you a starting point anyway.
I think that you can get a fairly decent bar in the $150-250 range. I know Texas Power Bars fall in that range. I think Ivanko makes a good Oly bar for around $160.
I wouldn't go cheap on a bar. A good bar can last you for life.
the only thing about the jesup gym bar ive heard negative is that its a little thicker then most bars. But, ive heard its a great bar from all accounts.
the texas powerbar is good too, i thought it was closer to $300 though.
ive been using an eliko bar lately, but i dont think you want to hear the price of that one. ivanko bars always felt a little funny to me, but i cant put my finger on it.
the only thing about the jesup gym bar ive heard negative is that its a little thicker then most bars. But, ive heard its a great bar from all accounts.
the texas powerbar is good too, i thought it was closer to $300 though.
ive been using an eliko bar lately, but i dont think you want to hear the price of that one. ivanko bars always felt a little funny to me, but i cant put my finger on it.
I hear ivanko bars have fucked up knurling, and are really hard to deadlift with compared to eleiko's. I think the knurling coming in too close to the centre of the bar, so it scrapes up your legs or something.
I think this bar is good for most people's training. Of course, a good Oly bar would be good for most people's training. Unless you get in to some serious weight you will never see the limitations on either type of bar.
Jesup gym bars are supposed to be good. you can get them for around 100
bought a Jesup bar on alco's recommendation last year. i think it was $150 and $30 for shipping, but their website (jesupgym.com) has the olympic power bar w/ center knurl (the one I got) for $165 delivered. It may be a bit thicker as frank mentioned, but it's not really noticeable and really kinda insignificatn, IMO. Plus, little bit thicker = more grip work
Really solid bar that I've been very happy with.
__________________
"Rust on a nail builds tetanus. Rust on a barbell builds character, strength, and attitude." -EC
"Don't spend your life wishing. Spend it doing." -FishrCutB8
"You're a mutant, like a snake with two heads or a cat shy one nipple. Be thankful that your mutation is helpful." - LD
When I started lifting at home last year, I bought one of the weight sets at Dicks Sporting Goods. About $110 for a 300lb set and a 7' olympic bar. It's worked just fine up until now.
Now that my deadlift is approaching 5x300, I can tell the bar is starting to bend a little when loaded. I'm not sure I feel comfortable putting much more weight on this bar, as I don't want it permanently bent. I'm still doing a number of other exercises that are nowhere near the 300lb mark, so the bar is still useful.
When it comes to buying a bar, what should I look for? I've found a few stores in the area with bars rated for 500+ pounds, but they are all like $150 or more for the bar. Is this reasonable? Would I be better to order one online even with the cost of shipping?
If it makes a difference, I'm in the market for rubber flooring now, so I could maybe get a shipping break if I place an order for matting and a bar. I'm also thinking about getting a couple of bumper plates.
I sent an email to Jesup a couple of days ago. I guess I'll try calling them this time. Anyone had a hard time getting a hold of them? I'm trying to figure out how much shipping would be for the bar and a couple of other things from their site.
I'd definitely give them a call. Very nice people. Got to talk to them right away and the order was done in less than 5 minutes. Good luck!
__________________
"Rust on a nail builds tetanus. Rust on a barbell builds character, strength, and attitude." -EC
"Don't spend your life wishing. Spend it doing." -FishrCutB8
"You're a mutant, like a snake with two heads or a cat shy one nipple. Be thankful that your mutation is helpful." - LD
Buying a new bar
Linear Mode
